-
AuthorPosts
-
I recently had my TSH tested to see how it was going with the lexoyl. It came back 2.86 which according to the lab I go to is in the normal range. I was surprised as I really thought my levels were off. I put on weight very quickly and have a hard time taking it off. I have since joined weight watchers and have lost about 4 lbs in 2 weeks but really have exercised hard. So you T3 and T4 can be off but TSH can be normal? They did not check it. My endo is moving out of state next month so I only have one more appointment with her. My general doctor said I didnt need to find another endo unless I wanted to. What does everyone think? I had my thyroid removed in June 05. Thanks,
KatieHi Kate
Many endos will just test the TSH, because the when the TSH is not normal then they know the T4 will not be. If the TSH is low it is asking for more T4 production in your body and when it is high it does not want any T4 production. So your T4 will be high when the TSH is low, and it will be low when the TSH is high.
How do you feel about having your PCP taking care of you. If you feel comfortable with that then go ahead. Many people do not see an endo and do find with their PCP taking care of them. If you want to see an endo then tell him you would rather have a specialist handle your GD. You could always ask him how many patients he treats with Graves Disease. That would give you a clue as to if he commonly treat Graves or not. You need to feel comfortable, and feel that you are getting the best care available.
Diane B On-Line Facilitator
Katie, there is still ongoing debate in medical circles about what the proper normal range for thyroid levels should be. Many experts now think a TSH of 2 or 2.5 is more properly the upper limit of normal, while others disagree.
While they make up their minds on this issue, it’s important to know that just because your TSH is currently in the normal range your lab has adopted doesn’t necessarily mean that this was YOUR normal TSH when your thyroid was functioning normally.
Whether or not you decide to find another endo or let your PCP manage your case, it may be worthwhile to ask for a trial of increased thyroid hormone to see if you feel any better. I feel much better with a lower TSH (1 or even less), although this isn’t a miracle answer to weight loss issues.
Dianne W
Online FacilitatorJust wondering for all the people who are on T3 how long did it take before you started to feel better? I really have been dragging alot and having a hard time losing weight.
Thanks, KatiePlease, please, please do not look upon taking T3 as a way to lose weight. It isn’t. It is an extremely powerful form of thyroid hormone, which needs to be carefully dosed to keep you in that “normal” zone. If you get too much of it, you might become hyper again and start to lose muscle again. But that is a horrible, unhealthy way to lose weight.
Bobbi — NGDF Online Facilitator
I am not taking this to lose weight. I am taking this to start feeling normal. I am tired all the time and have been very depressed. My doctor said they have had great results when a small amount of T3 has been added.
When I started taking T3 it was such a gradual change that I really can’t remember how long it took before I started feeling better. I believe it was a month or so, but really not sure.
It would be different for each person and as we begin to feel better it is gradual, just as it is as we became sick with Graves.
Diane B On-Line Facilitator
Well unfortunately the doctor feels I am having an adverse reaction to my T3 and have to stop taking it. About 2 hours after I take the medication I get so nauseau that I havent been able to eat dinner for 4 nights. I have been just eating cereal. I have only been on it a week but he has advised me to stop it at this time and wait a month to go for bloodwork and maybe we will increase my levoxyl to see if that will help with the tiredness. Anyone else have this type of reaction?
KatieWell, I did not get nauseated, but I did have problems taking T3 — serious problems. I could only tolerate half of the smallest possible dose, and it still made me ill.
Bobbi — NGDF Online Facilitator
Bobbie,
Are you currently take the T3? I am hoping that we can just increase my levoxyl to make things level out. I had high hopes for the T3 from what I heard from some who added it in but it is a good lesson that all our bodies are different and react differently to them. I really felt not only sick to my stomach but I felt like I was going crazy it is hard to explain. The last few days have been much better since I stopped taking it. Thanks for your response!!
KatieI remember reading that the range that was set by the AACE stated that the reference range be 0.30-3.0 BUT the lab’s are still using higher numbers. My dh just got his done and although he is fine and always has been, i saw the range they used. 0.35-5.5 <
Why are they using this still when the range is NOT this? Am I wrong? Is that range the lab is using the correct one or what?I have Graves Disease, I go into remission and stay there for long periods of time. I have been diagnosed with Graves since 2001. I had the flu in 2000 and 3months later started showing symptoms. The dr. said it was the flu that triggered it. After the nonsense i went through with dr’s i finally found a good one and was put on PTU and put into remission. Was able to have a couple of more kids and once I got a bad viral infection was taken out of remission. Given PTU again in high doses since I was way off my levels with everything and again put back into remission. Again a virus happened and 6 weeks later was starting to show signs of going lower on the tsh level. Put on PTU my level was fine and I was taken off of the dose and have been fine since May 2007 wiht no meds.
My kids were sick and I caught a cold(virus)and strep throat and even wound up with skin infection on my face and now I feel that I am starting to come out of remission. I called the nurse and she said well your pulse is fine. I explained that I know my pulse is fine BUT I feel all weird inside and when someone doesn’t understand this disease personally they have no clue what I mean. i told her I feel my wheels on the clock turning inside of my head so fast. Now the nurse is waiting for the tsh results because she swears I am fine. I told her I didn’t care if the tsh shows that I am within range, because to be honest if I am not over 1.0 I don’t feel right. I know my body and I know this disease inside of me. I thank GOd that I have it better than most but I will be damned if someone tells me I am nuts or I am not feeling what I am feeling inside of me. FOr years people said that it was in my head.
Is there a place where I can check what the true ranges for tsh levels are?
If all other tests are fine but the TSH shows that I am low does that still mean I am out of remission? I have had dr’s say well your other levels were fine but your tsh is low BUT you should still be fine. Grrrrr!
I know my levels and I know when I am not feeling myself, i have the symptoms and dr’s still swear that I shoulnd’t have them. I surely can’t be the only one who has this disease and have been able to keep healthy so it doesnt rear its ugly head. And if I am an exception then where do i go to tell someone so they can study that.
Thank you for anything you can do or answer.
I just got a phone call saying that my TSH was within limits. I asked what it was because it matters to me. It is .940 so I have the level to check and see in a few weeks if it getting lower. I am hoping that with proper water intake (which I am seriously lacking) and proper sleep now that no one in the house is sick and waking up at night I will be able to beat this. I know some don’t think that it can happen but I do. I know I said in my other post anything under 1.0 I really start to feel it. Anyone have the same issues, where they feel their best is above 1.0?
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.